EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Morehead State used an 18-3 run to close out a 73-72 win over SIUE men's basketball Saturday at First Community Arena.

The Cougars dropped to 2-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference and 9-6 overall. Morehead State improved to 3-1 in the league and 7-8 overall.

Playing without the OVC's leading scorer, Ring Malith, the Cougars fell behind early. Morehead State had as much as a seven-point lead in the first half before SIUE pulled in front 23-19 thanks to a 7-0 run. Jack Campion buried a fall-away three-pointer from the right corner as the halftime buzzer sounded to put the Cougars in front 35-33.

Both teams were hot to start the second half, and the lead changed hands several times before SIUE appeared to seize control. The Cougars went on a 10-2 run to lead 54-48 after an Arnas Sakenis layup with 11:24 to play.

Darrion Baker, who stepped into the starting lineup in Malith's absence, knocked down to free throws with 5:47 left to cap off an 11-0 run which had SIUE in front 67-52. A jumper from Baker made it 69-55 at the 5:18 mark when Morehead State began its run.

The Eagles pulled in front 73-71 with 15 seconds remaining on a three-pointer by Chase Dawson. Jack Campion was fouled on a drive to the basket and forced to leave the game. Darius Robinson hit one of two free throws with eight seconds left. SIUE forced a turnover on the ensuing possession. After the SIUE inbounds play, C.J. Hall drove to the basket, looking for the layup when his attempt was blocked out of play with less than a second left.

Baker led SIUE with a career-high 15 points in his first career start. He added five rebounds and four steals. Arnas Sakenis chipped in 13 points, also a career best. Hall and Harrison Alexander each scored 10 points for the Cougars, who shot 44 percent (26-59) for the game.

Carroll and Chase Dawson scored 17 each to lead Morehead State, which connected on 53 percent (25-47) of its shots.

SIUE remains home to face Lindenwood Tuesday at First Community Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.